New Mexico Scale Certification & Weights and Measures

New Mexico runs a state-managed weights and measures program — commercial scale owners deal with the state agency directly. If you operate a commercial scale in New Mexico — at a warehouse, farm, recycling yard, retail store, or truck stop — here is who regulates it, what the law requires, and exactly who to contact.

Who inspects commercial scales in New Mexico?

State-run program: NMDA SCS field inspectors stationed throughout the state enforce the Weights and Measures Law and inspect commercial devices; there are no county W&M programs. Scale owners deal directly with NMDA SCS in Las Cruces.

What New Mexico requires of scale owners

Commercial scales must meet NMDA requirements and bear an NTEP Certificate of Conformance, and only devices placed into commercial service by an NMDA-registered service technician (or by NMDA) are legal for commercial use; the owner is responsible for ongoing accuracy and maintenance. Scale service companies/technicians must register annually under 21 NMAC 16.5 ($150 per establishment, $50 per technician, bond required for full-service establishments, place-in-service reports filed with NMDA).

Getting a scale into service — 4 steps

1. Buy a legal-for-trade (NTEP-certified) scale appropriate for your application and capacity.
2. Confirm registration and licensing requirements with the New Mexico Department of Agriculture ((575) 646-1616 (SCS Division); NMDA main office (575) 646-3007) before the scale enters commercial use.
3. Arrange compliant installation and calibration. Where required, placing-in-service must be done by a licensed or registered service company.
4. Stay compliant. Pass required inspections, keep calibration current, retain service records.

Common questions